From Huddling to Standing

Thanks to our friend Darren and his family, we were at the Celtic-Dundee United game on Saturday and had a grand old time. Our nephew loved it. Eight goals and a tremendous atmosphere despite last week's defeat by Juventus. We even got one of these celebrations. My bluenose friends were somewhat perturbed by my visit, but they ought to know about my ecumenical credentials by now.

Two things lingered with me after the game. Firstly, "The Celtic Huddle". Here it is in action from a couple of years ago:

It was a joy to be there and see it happen. And ironic as well, because in the morning I'd been teaching about a different kind of huddling as a vehicle for discipleship. The plan is to try and roll this out in the coming year as a way of making disciples who make disciples. Details of what is involved can be found here.

The second thing that struck me was how often we got to leap to our feet when a goal was scored. The standing was an acknowledgement of excitement at success and the prowess of the players. My colleague Gordon was preaching at the morning service yesterday and one thing he mentioned was the importance of acknowledging God. Instantly a light went on for me about why we stand up in church. It's not just a ritual, or something we have to do. We leap to our feet to acknowledge God: what the Father has done for us in Christ and in sending the Holy Spirit to give us Life. Next time you are in church and the leader says, "Let's stand to worship", why not try leaping to your feet and remembering who God is and what has been done for you. I'll look forward to being part of that excited congregation.

Comments

[Fatherheart Scotland]

Hadn't thought of it that way David - good thought though...